Wachovia committed to supporting education

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The gift, which qualifies for a $150,000 state match, will fund the Wachovia Foundation Endowed Scholarship, a need-based scholarship for students with a major or minor in education. The Wachovia Foundation is a private entity which is funded annually by the Wachovia Corporation.

“The College of Education provides a strong and rigorous program for tomorrow’s educators, but many more teacher education candidates are needed to help Florida’s teacher shortage,” Dr. Larry Daniel, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said when the gift was announced. “A well-funded scholarship program, like the one made possible by Wachovia, will be targeted directly at students interested in education but who can’t afford it without financial assistance. This will help fill the gap.”

Kelly Madden, Wachovia Bank’s regional president for North Florida, sees support for higher education as a corporate responsibility that pays dividends in the long run. “As business leaders, we have an obligation to be on the front lines of the educational crusade,” Madden said. “By supporting education at all levels, we’re helping to create a more productive workforce, strengthening economic development and improving the quality of life in the community.”

Madden called UNF one of the area’s most important community resources. She said many Wachovia employees and their children have attended the University. “Public and private partnerships like this one can make miracles happen,” Madden said. “Think about it. Our contribution of $300,000 will provide scholarship support for students working to become classroom teachers. One teacher with a degree from UNF made possible through this endowment will improve the lives of hundreds of children over the course of a career.”

Wachovia Corporation is one of the largest financial services’ providers to retail, brokerage and corporate customers. Wachovia has banking operations from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas.